How to Get a Canadian IP Address From Anywhere in 2024

A Canadian IP address will benefit you if you are a Canadian expatriate or traveling abroad. While multiple methods exist, the best (most reliable and safe) way to change your IP address to a Canadian one is by using a virtual private network (VPN).

When you connect to a Canadian server, the VPN will spoof your location and assign you a Canadian IP address. This will enable you to access geo-restricted sites such as Netflix Canada, CTV, DAZN, TSN direct (and more), banking, and all other apps. Besides, it will also encrypt your data and traffic to keep you safe online.

A quick guide on how to get a Canadian IP address

Are you short on time? Then, follow these quick steps to acquire a virtual Canadian location and access anything you want in Canada:

Why do you need a Canadian IP address

The key reason to get a Canada IP location is to access the region’s local content abroad. That’s because, while you can continue to stream the internet anywhere in the world, in the same way, you can’t access some platforms airing location-based content. So, for instance, you can’t watch your favorite Canadian TV shows or movies elsewhere unless you spoof your online location as Canada.

Nonetheless, that’s not the only reason to change your IP country to Canada. Some users outside the Canadian region also need to spoof their locations to avail themselves of the perks offered there. For example, students, employees, and businesspersons may want to change their IP address to access the required content. Similarly, people may also need to change their online location to Canada to buy goods from the local online markets.

In short, the main reason generating the need for you to get a Canada IP is to break free of the content restrictions. Whether it’s a streaming site, an educational platform, an online store, an online banking service, or any other web platform, limiting its benefits to Canadian users is frustrating for those outside the region. As a free internet user, you deserve unrestricted access to the internet. And so, you are justified to use a VPN to get a Canadian IP.

Criteria for selecting the best VPN to get a Canadian IP

The providers we listed below have met the following criteria to stand out as the best Canada VPNs:

• A massive network with servers spread across the world, including Canada.
• A high-security level with dependable features such as AES 256-bit encryption and a kill switch.
• Reliable and consistent speeds for seamless streaming, gaming, and torrenting.
• Do not retain identifiable information such as IP address, timestamps, or browsing history.
• Compatibility across all major devices, including Windows, Android, macOS, and iOS.
• Trustworthy, responsive, and knowledgeable customer support.

The best VPN to get an IP address of Canada – Our hands-on review

Here’s an overview of the features comparison for the top VPNs to get Canadian IP addresses:

Best VPNs for a Canadian IP address

Not all VPN services available are reliable. Some have inferior encryption and can easily compromise your security. Others may log users’ personal information or are located in a jurisdiction with questionable privacy laws.

That is why, after extensive research and testing, here we list the best VPNs to get a virtual Canadian location. All these VPNs are according to the testing criteria we discussed.

1. NordVPN

A powerful VPN to get a Canadian IP address as it offers over 480 servers from 3 Canadian cities. It is easy to install, set up, and connect to a robust server with a Quick-Connect feature.

Visit NordVPN

5,400+ servers in 60 countries

P2P optimized servers

AES-256-bit encryption

CyberSec ad-blocker

DNS/IPv6 leak protection

Automatic kill switch

Quick-connect feature

Allows up to 6 simultaneous devices

30 days money-back guarantee

Pros

• Focus on security and privacy
• Servers in 3 Canadian locations
• Unmatched server network

Cons

• The desktop app is bit clumsy

NordVPN is the most extensive network on this list, with over 5400 servers in 60 countries. Like Surfshark, it also has Vancouver, Toronto, and Montreal servers to give you a Canadian IP address. Remarkably, the company does not have virtual servers and only operates physical servers.

While some VPNs support P2P sharing on all their servers, NordVPN has specifically optimized servers for torrenting. These servers will give you better speeds to access BitTorrent or uTorrent without issues.

You can take advantage of the obfuscated servers if you live in a country with heavy censorship, like China. They will obscure your VPN traffic to make it look like you are browsing without a VPN.

Accessing the dark web requires an extra security layer. Most ISPs will flag your traffic or alert the authorities if they notice that you are on the dark web. Hence, NordVPN offers Onion over VPN servers that will protect your activities.

The VPN also offers dedicated IP addresses. This IP address is assigned only to you and no one else. It is great for accessing online banking. However, the address will limit you to one location unsuitable for streaming.

NordVPN uses AES 256-bit encryption and other security features such as perfect forward secrecy, kill switch, and DNS leak protection to secure your connections. In addition, the CyberSec feature will block ads and prevent dangerous malware and trackers.

2. Surfshark

The best pocket-friendly VPN service to get a Canadian IP address from 3 different cities. It is feature-packed with a great ability to unblock content.

Visit Surfshark

3,200+ servers in 100 countries

AES-256-bit encryption

P2P sharing

MultiHop mode

DNS leak protection

Automatic kill switch

CleanWeb ad-blocker

Camouflage-mode

Allows unlimited simultaneous connections

30-day money-back guarantee

Pros

• Have servers in three Canadian locations
• Unblocks all the popular streaming sites
• Allows you to connect unlimited devices

Cons

• Kill switch blocks some sites

Surfshark has over 3,200 servers in 100 countries. In Canada, its servers are located in Montreal, Vancouver, and Toronto. When you connect to any server, your IP address will automatically change to Canadian.

Unlike ExpressVPN, Surfshark offers static IP addresses. Instead of a random IP address, you will be assigned the same address every time you establish a connection. The advantage is that it helps you avoid completing the annoying CAPTCHA checks when accessing specific sites or apps.

Surfshark is your best bet when it comes to unblocking content. It will help you access sites with the most notorious geo-blocks, such as Canadian CTV, Netflix, HBO Max, Disney+, Italian Rai TV, etc. In addition, the servers offer fast and consistent speeds, so you’ll stream anything you want without buffering or lag.

The VPN employs the highest encryption level available for users’ safety. It protects your connections with military-grade AES 256-bit encryption. Moreover, Surfshark provides four VPN protocols, including IKEv2, OpenVPN (TCP/UDP), Shadowsocks, and WireGuard.

We did not encounter DNS, IP, or WebRTC leaks when testing servers in Canada, the UK, and Belgium. The provider offers IP leak protection through the IPv4 stack and DNS on all servers.

Furthermore, the automatic kill switch will block traffic if the VPN stops working abruptly. Surfshark has made this crucial feature easily accessible via a toggle on or off option.

The MultiHop servers allow you to jazz up your security by transmitting traffic through two VPN servers instead of one. Also known as a double VPN, it will add an extra security layer if you are concerned with your privacy.

It is one of the few VPNs that offer an ad blocker. It is in-built and will even block trackers and malware (a very handy feature in a VPN when visiting torrenting sites). We tested the feature on several ad-supporting sites such as Forbes, medium, and YouTube. It’s effective as it blocks all the ads.

Surfshark is compatible with all major devices, including Windows, macOS, Android, iOS, Linux, and Amazon Fire TV stick. Moreover, it offers unlimited simultaneous connections, which means you can connect as many devices as you want.

3. ExpressVPN

Another top pick VPN offering viable Canadian IPs from its resilient servers in 3 different cities. It offers outstanding speeds and has a long-standing reputation for security and reliability.

Visit ExpressVPN

3,000+ servers in 94 countries

AES-256-bit encryption

DNS/IPv6 leak protection

P2P optimized servers

Network-lock feature

TrustedServer technology

Split tunneling

Allows up to 5 simultaneous devices

30-day money back guarantee

Pros

• Provide servers in Canada
• Advanced security features
• Strictly observers no-logs policy

Cons

• Significant slowdown on macOS

ExpressVPN has a massive network of over 3,000 servers across 160 locations in 94 countries. Fortunately, it runs multiple servers in Canadian cities such as Toronto, Montreal, and Vancouver. Connecting to any of them will alter your location to make you appear like you are in Canada.

One thing that sets ExpressVPN ahead of its competitors is the TrustedServer technology. It ensures that all the servers operate only on Random Access Memory (RAM) that can’t store data. Hence, your information gets deleted completely every time you end the session.

It uses AES encryption, a 4096-bit RSA key, SHA-512 HMAC authentication, and an AES 256-bit cipher. As a result, even the most powerful computer in the world cannot decrypt your data. Moreover, it offers perfect forward secrecy that changes your encryption key every time you start a session.

The Network Lock (kill switch) is another crucial security feature that ExpressVPN uses to keep you safe. If the VPN connection drops, it cuts your traffic, ultimately preventing IP leaks. Luckily, you don’t need to configure it manually as it comes automatically enabled on all apps (except iOS).

The split tunneling feature lets you decide what part of your traffic should remain encrypted and what should be left untouched. So, for example, you can access your banking app locally and encrypt your streaming connection. I tested it, and it worked seamlessly.

ExpressVPN is one of the best VPNs to bypass geo-restrictions. It unblocks all Netflix libraries, including the Canadian catalog. In addition, the VPN can stream CBC, BBC iPlayer, Amazon Prime Video, Comedy Central, HBO Go, and more. Its servers are super fast, and with unlimited bandwidth, you’ll watch your favorite content in high definition.

Besides, ExpressVPN is true to its word that it doesn’t keep any identifiable logs. Its strict no-logs claims have also been confirmed with independent audits by PricewaterhouseCoopers (PWC) and Cure3.

The jurisdiction of a VPN provider is also a critical factor to consider if you are concerned with your privacy. Countries that form the 5/9/14 Eyes Alliance force companies to hand over user data to authorities. The good news is that ExpressVPN is based in the British Virgin Islands, a privacy-friendly region.

Our Methodology: How we found the best VPNs to get a Canadian IP address

While most VPNs have servers in Canada to change your IP address, not all are desirable. Besides Canadian servers, reliable services should offer sufficient and unthrottled speed for torrenting, streaming, and browsing. However, there are other factors to consider when picking the best VPNs for Canada, as outlined below:

• Servers in Canada: You must connect to a server in Canada to obtain a Canadian IP address. A good VPN should have servers in various Canadian cities to let you unblock your favorite websites and streaming services while abroad.
• Server network: Top-tier VPN providers should include extensive server networks across various countries worldwide. This enables you to access geo-blocked services while abroad. Our top VPNs have thousands of servers distributed across many countries and cities. 
• Speed: Some VPNs have insufficient speed for online activities like torrenting and streaming. We test and select VPNs offering fast server speeds with unlimited bandwidth across most servers, allowing seamless torrenting and streaming experience.
• Device Compatibility: Generally, the best VPN services should be accessible on several devices from any location. We therefore recommend VPN services that provide native apps and work with popular operating systems, like Windows, iOS,  Android, macOS, and Linux. Compatibility with complex gaming consoles and Amazon Firestick platforms is an added advantage. 
• Security: A secure VPN must include robust encryption, like military-grade AES-256-bit encryption, which prevents third parties from accessing your data. Moreover, it must provide IP/DNS/WebRTC leak protection and a kill switch to safeguard you if your VPN connection drops.
• Privacy: Besides security, a VPN should be trustworthy enough to provide the utmost privacy protection. So, it should not log or sell user data to third parties. Our best VPNs offer a zero-log policy that has been independently verified.
• Value for money: Some VPNs overcharge but provide fewer features. When choosing a VPN for Canadian IP adress, we opted for options with the highest value for money. Moreover, some even have amazing discounts, saving you money.
• Ease of use: Some VPNs are very complicated to use. That is why we selected services with user-friendly apps. Tasks like configuration, connecting to a server, and adjusting settings should be seamless. A good Canadian VPN should also offer responsive 24-hour customer service via live chat and email. 

This is just a small portion of our VPN testing methodology. However, we go further when doing full testing. We can only find the best services for your needs with a comprehensive review of many VPNs.

Is it safe to use a VPN to get a Canadian internet protcol address?

Indeed, there’s no harm in using a VPN to get a new IP location from Canada.

In fact, VPNs are the safest means to spoof your IP address. That’s because these services provide the utmost security and privacy to the users from prying eyes. Whether it’s about government surveillance, online tracking from advertisers, or snooping from cyber criminals, VPNs safeguard your online privacy by encrypting your traffic.

That’s why every privacy enthusiast (including us) always recommends using a VPN.

Apart from security, VPNs also let you bypass geo-restrictions with minimal glitches. While you also get a Canadian IP address via a proxy or other services, those methods aren’t strong enough to resist VPN detection. Whereas a robust VPN often bypasses such blocks even from aggressive services like Netflix.

Nonetheless, you must ensure that you use a robust VPN service provider that respects your privacy.

Can I get a Canadian IP address from abroad for free?

Many options offer free services when looking for a VPN to change your IP address. However, you should avoid and be cautious with such offers. This is because they don’t use encryption or any protection, exposing your data and traffic to all and sundry.

Operating and running a VPN infrastructure is very costly. Since free VPNs don’t charge for their services, they devise dubious ways to increase revenue. One of the common ways they use is by tracking users’ activity and selling the information to the highest bidder. Others make money through ads on-site or compel users to watch promotional videos.

Another disadvantage of free VPNs is that they have fewer usually congested servers, leading to sluggish speeds. In addition, almost all of them cannot unblock streaming services such as Netflix, Hotstar US, Channel 7, and others.

However, if you are on a tight budget, you may consider using the free versions of paid services like ProtonVPN. Although it restricts some features, such as the number of devices, servers, and data, you’ll be protected fully. Alternatively, you can check affordable premium VPNs out there.

What can I do with a Canadian IP?

Here are some benefits of using a Canadian VPN:

• Unblock Canadian news sites from abroad
• Use financial services restricted outside of Canada
• Evade bandwidth throttling
• Stream geo-blocked movies and TV shows
• Access risky public Wi-Fi networks 
• Conceal your IP address to protect your anonymity and privacy

How to access Canadian websites and TV

You won’t access some websites, apps, and TV outside Canada. This is because of geo-blocking; providers restrict content to specific geographic locations.

The occurrence is widespread with video streaming sites. It means accessing sports channels such as DAZN will be impossible outside Canada.  Moreover, you won’t be able to watch SN Now, Rogers NFL Live, CraveTV, Sportsnet Now, TSN Direct, and much more.

As covered above, getting a Canadian IP address using a VPN is the easiest way to circumvent the restrictions and access whatever you want.

What channels can I access with a Canadian IP address?

Here’s a list of platforms you can access with a Canadian IP:

• Netflix Canada
• CBC
• Plex
• YTV
• Hulu
• GlobalTV
• Stack TV
• Peacock TV
• CTV
• Fubo
• Crave TV
• Hayu
• Apple TV
• Acorn TV
• Amazon Prime

Shows and sports to stream with a Canadian IP address

Here are some of the most interesting Canadian shows and sports you should look forward to:

• The Randall Scandal Love Loathing and Vander Pump
• Toni Morrison: The Pieces I Am
•  Borsch The Secret Ingredient
• A President Europe and War
• Bestest Day Ever with My Best Friend
• Still Standing Season 8
• A House Made of Splinters
• The Nature of Things
• Theodosia
• World Rowing Championships 2023
• BlackBerry
• The Color of Ink
• World Rugby Seven Series 2023
• Toronto Maple Leafs vs Sabres NHL
• Push
• Canada’s Ultimate Challenge
• Rhythmic Gymnastics World Championships 2023

Can a Canadian IP address get me into trouble too?

A VPN is a security tool that will protect your data and anonymize your online activities. Of course, this does not mean you start engaging in illegal activities like downloading copyrighted material because you’ll get into trouble. Nonetheless, there is nothing wrong with bypassing network restrictions in schools and workplaces with these tools.

Using a VPN for the right reasons won’t land you in hot waters. Instead, it is how you use the VPN that triggers risks. Just keep in mind that if something is illegal in real life, it is also unlawful online.

Here are some of the things you shouldn’t do with a Canada VPN IP:

• Download or distribute copyrighted material.
• Purchase illegal things on the black market.
• Stalk people online.
• Download or distribute child pornography.

Other methods to get a Canadian IP address?

Besides a VPN, there are other ways you can get a Canadian IP address for free. However, they are not as safe as using a trustworthy VPN provider. 

• Tor: Tor browser can hide your web activities from your ISP but reduces your speed connection. However, a Canadian Chrome VPN can give you a Canadian IP to conceal your internet activities.
• Proxy: A proxy works similarly to a VPN by changing your IP address. Unfortunately, proxy services are unsafe as they do not employ encryption on your traffic.  

We recommend using a reliable VPN service like NordVPN while accessing Canadian content. It offers advanced security and privacy, speedy connections, and 480 Canadian servers across several locations.

Conclusion

Many VPNs are available online today, but not all will enable you to get a Canadian IP address. In addition, some VPNs even contain malware that can threaten your security.

Therefore, after thorough testing, this article has compiled the three best VPNs for accessing Canadian geo-blocked content and apps. Fortunately, they all come with a 30-day money-back guarantee, so you can try them and choose the right one without risking your money.

FAQs